The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning for a significant intensification of cold wave conditions gripping large parts of the country. Residents across northern, central, and eastern India must brace for a further sharp dip in temperatures over the coming days, accompanied by persistent dense fog that is severely hampering visibility and travel.
Temperature Plunge and Affected Regions
According to the latest all-India weather bulletin, minimum temperatures are likely to fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius across Northwest India over the next four days. A similar chilling trend is forecast for central and eastern regions within the next 48 hours.
The IMD has specifically predicted cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, East and West Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand from January 6 to January 10. Parts of Delhi may also experience these severe conditions during this period.
Furthermore, cold day to severe cold day conditions are expected at isolated places over East Rajasthan. Meanwhile, cold day conditions are likely to prevail in sections of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Widespread Fog and Travel Disruptions
A major concern highlighted by the weather office is the continuation of dense to very dense fog during morning hours across multiple states. This is leading to dramatically reduced visibility, causing significant delays for road, rail, and air travel.
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to grapple with poor visibility until at least January 10. Foggy conditions are also anticipated over Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and several northeastern states in the coming days.
The IMD also noted that ground frost is very likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand on January 5 and 6.
Understanding Cold Wave vs. Cold Day
The IMD defines a "cold wave" as a condition where the air temperature becomes fatal to the human body upon exposure. It is declared when the minimum temperature is 15°C or less and dips to at least 4.5°C below normal.
A "cold day" is declared when the maximum temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C below normal. If the departure exceeds -6.4°C, it is classified as a "severe cold day." For plains, a cold day is also considered when the actual minimum temperature is 10°C or less.
Current Conditions and Precautions
Recent data reveals the severity of the ongoing chill. Over the past 24 hours, minimum temperatures dropped below zero degrees Celsius in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In the plains, readings between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius were widespread across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Etawah in Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest minimum at 2.4 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has advised the public, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take necessary precautions against prolonged exposure to the cold. Travelers are urged to check for advisories and exercise extreme caution during early morning hours when fog is at its peak.
